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Friday, March 20, 2020

#GiveBackGetInvolved: Spooky Story Tuesdays and Supportive Listening

Spooky Story Tuesdays: For thousands of years before electricity, people passed the time in the evenings by reading and telling stories by candle- or firelight. In honor of that tradition, I will be doing a somewhat updated version of this for a half hour every Tuesday at 7 p.m. | 6 p.m. CST via Facebook Live on my personal page (I will also share and make the posts public, but feel free to send me a friend request), for as long as this self-quarantine/social distancing period lasts. I will read or tell a mix of classic ghost stories from my bookshelf, share some of my own works and the works of my friends, and update you all on what I'm currently reading.

Do you need someone to talk to?: Right now, many folks in the writing community and beyond are sharing amazing resources for creative ways to pass the time, as well as offering services to help them and their small businesses stay afloat during these unprecedented times. Most of my spring events have been cancelled, and I’m currently working remotely, with paychecks on the way through at least mid-April. Because I’m in a uniquely safe position, I want to make myself available and useful to the community in some way. Many years ago, I was a counselor at a call center, answering calls for all major national crisis hotlines. I would be happy to dust off my old supportive listening skills and chat with anyone out there who is feeling lonely or a little stir-crazy, or just needs to talk. Please feel free to reach out to me via comment or social media, or email me at ameliamcotter@gmail.com any time, and we can arrange a phone or video chat.